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First Female President in the Organization’s 100-Year History

ABINGDON, Va. — Kim Farris-Luke, president and owner of Abingdon, Virginia-based Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, has been appointed president-elect of the board of directors of Selected Independent Funeral Homes, an international association of independent and locally owned funeral homes. She will be officially installed as president during the organization’s annual meeting in October.

Established in 1917, Selected Independent Funeral Homes is the world’s oldest association of independent funeral homes. Farris-Luke is a fourth-generation funeral professional with 27 years of experience. Her firm has been a member of Selected since 1961, and her father, David M. Farris, served as board president in 1999.

“Selected is an organization like none other, with members who exemplify the best of what our profession has to offer our communities,” Farris-Luke says. “It is an honor to be chosen to serve as president, and to serve as the first female board president. As we shepherd in the next century of our association, I am excited about the potential for each of our members to grow and thrive in the changing world of funeral service. Though some may say the future of our profession looks uncertain, I view these times as an opportunity for us to redefine our profession and to develop creative, compassionate ways to meet the various needs of the families we serve.”

Farris-Luke obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the University of Richmond, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina; she has also completed graduate-level education in social work and Christian counseling. She is a longtime, active member of Woodland Hills Christian Church, is a member of the Abingdon Rotary Club, and has served on the boards of several local non-profit organizations. Farris-Luke is also a frequent speaker about grief and end-of-life planning, and is a certified death and grief educator.

About Selected Independent Funeral Homes

Selected Independent Funeral Homes (www.selectedfuneralhomes.org) delivers innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to its international network of independently owned death-care providers who aspire to be the very best in their profession. Members of Selected operate according to specific standards and best practices in order to provide the public with reliable, high-quality funeral services and funeral-related information. 2017 marked the organization’s 100th anniversary, and a legacy of dedication and support to the death-care profession.

About Farris Funeral Service & Crematory

Farris Funeral Service & Crematory celebrated its 65th anniversary in 2017, and is the only Washington County, Virginia, funeral home that has been owned and managed by the same family throughout its history. This continuity provides the organization unparalleled perspective on the services, administrative assistance and emotional support needed during the bereavement process. Farris’ spacious facilities offer a number of conveniences, including a full-service reception center available for gatherings and meals, comfortable meeting areas and ample parking. Administrative offerings include assistance with the filing of essential documents, as well as a number of grief education and counseling programs. For more information, call (276) 623-2700 or visit www.farrisfuneralservice.com.

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For more information, contact Kim Farris-Luke,president/owner of Farris Funeral Service & Crematory,at 276-623-2700.